Silver catalysts supported on alumina are the primary catalysts used in the industrial production of ethylene oxide (EO) from ethylene. The unique properties of silver and alumina make this combination highly effective for this reaction.

Key Features of Silver Catalysts Supported on Alumina:

High Selectivity: Silver catalysts exhibit excellent selectivity towards ethylene oxide formation, minimizing the production of unwanted byproducts like carbon dioxide and water.

Activity: These catalysts demonstrate high catalytic activity, leading to efficient conversion of ethylene to ethylene oxide.

Stability: Silver catalysts supported on alumina are generally stable under the operating conditions used for ethylene epoxidation, ensuring consistent performance over time.

Ethylene Epoxidation Process:

The epoxidation of ethylene using silver catalysts typically takes place in a gas-phase reactor. Ethylene and oxygen are mixed and passed over a bed of silver catalyst. Under appropriate conditions of temperature and pressure, ethylene oxide is formed.

The chemical reaction is as follows:

2C₂H₄ + O₂ → 2C₂H₄O